The scientist most famously associated with studying the whole environment as a working unit is Eugene Odum. He is considered one of the founders of the field of ecology and was a pioneer in the concept of ecosystem ecology. Odum emphasized the importance of understanding ecosystems as integrated wholes, where various biological and physical components interact and function together. His work laid the foundation for modern ecological science, and he authored the influential textbook "Fundamentals of Ecology," which introduced many concepts related to ecosystems and their dynamics.
Other notable figures in systemic environmental studies include David H. Meadows, known for his systems thinking approach, and Fritjof Capra, who has explored the interconnectedness of natural systems. However, Odum is most directly linked to the concept of studying the environment holistically as a working unit.